Skin Cancer, Who's to Blame?

Sometimes, I just want to assign blame. Oh, I know it’s not a particularly helpful thing to do. But, there are times when I want someone or something to take responsibility for my skin issues. I want them to fess up, apologize, and make amends. I want to be compensated for my time, money, pain and suffering.

Whose responsibility is it?

I think a better way to talk about this is to discuss contribution rather than assigning blame. I think understanding all the factors that have contributed to my current situation is more constructive and possibly more useful in helping others avoid the skin cancer lifestyle. The reality is that there have been multiple contributors. Some have contributed more than others, but it has been more of a team effort. No one person is at fault or to blame for my melanoma, my precancerous lesions, my atypical moles, and the like.

I have contributed to my skin cancer issues

I made choices along the way to tan and ignore good sun care practices. I chose to think I was more attractive and more esteemed if I had that dark glow. I contributed every time I unknowingly exposed myself to burning rays. I made decisions that led me to burn and peel, burn and peel. I drove myself to tanning salons. I own my contribution.

Society also contributed

By pushing the narrative that tan people were more popular and more successful, the media, entertainment industry and big business all contributed in some way. Growing up in Southern California exposed me to the fit and tan culture that helped push me toward a way of thinking that devalued my pale skin. My self-esteem became tied to my tan. I think a lack of education and understanding on the true dangers of ultraviolet radiation from exposure to the sun contributed to my skin cancer issues. When I have asked the generation above me why they didn’t do more to protect us, I mostly hear that they were ignorant to the dangers. They just didn’t know. I believe them. Whether the medical community knew about these dangers and didn’t get the word out is beyond my understanding, this was a contributing factor, though.

There is plenty of contribution (blame) to go around

But really the blame game is useless unless it produces something helpful and meaningful. Here are my takeaways:

1. Make good, smart skin care choices. Be aware of your environment and your sun exposure. Think about your own contribution and limit it.
2. Don’t buy into any narrative that attaches personal value to personal appearance. Everyone has value just because they exist. Existing is good enough. Human beings are not more or less valuable if they are tan. Don’t buy into the hype. Character is what really matters. Spend more time working on your inside than your outside.
3. Be informed and educated. Understand and evaluate your sun exposure and take any precautions. Being ignorant is no longer a reason or excuse. We now understand risky behaviors and how to mitigate them. We are without excuse. I believe that there are multiple contributors to my skin cancer issues but it is not useful to obsess and blame myself or others. Rather, I want my life lessons to help others, if possible.

What about you? How can understanding contribution help you teach your children how to make better choices than we did?